Amsterdam's Obsidian has posted the following statement online about deciding to call it quits:

"Sad but inevitable news from Obsidian. After more than a year of searching for inspiration and energy to re-ignite the metal machine, the oil would not flow anymore. After our latest release 'Point of Infinity' we noticed that our musical focus had shifted.

"We thought about (and tried) changing our direction, creating a new set list. Basically to start over again. But we could not find the energy needed to pull something like this off. Individually we still spend a lot of time in making music, so our creative hearts won't stop beating, although it might not be for the same genre in some cases.

"So, from the more than a few bands called Obsidian, there will be one less. We hope that people have enjoyed the music we brought out and urge people to not harm themselves in light of this new perspective of a world without Obsidian. We want to thank everybody who helped Obsidian directly or by just making wind by hair to our music.

Rusty Cage recording artist Obsidian has officially started recording their currently untitled follow up to "Emerging." To keep you updated on what they are doing they have installed a studio blog on their MySpace page.

They have lots of solid, heavy, spacious and grooving material ready and if you pay close attention you might catch some hints during the first episode of their Studio Report.

Obsidian has booked itself in the Excess Studio's to record the drum tracks for the follow up to 2007's "Emerging." The recordings will take place in the middle of August. The new album will feature nine brand new tracks. Titles and more info concerning the album will follow later. There will be a studio log kept through the band's MySpace page, so you'll be able to keep up by simply subscribing to it.

Netherlands based progressive death metal band, Obsidian, issued the following update:

"There is no turning back. End of August Melle will start the recording of our next album in studio Excess. To the outside world there is an eerie silence before the storm. But behind the scenes we are burning rubber. Test recordings, artwork, practice sessions and group hugs don't come cheap you know."

Dutch death/thrash metal act OBSIDIAN has posted the video for its track "Footprints" on YouTube. The clip, which was directed by Dennis Lubbers from the Film Academy in Amsterdam, can be viewed below.

"The cat is out of the bag and it's name is Gerben. We are pleased to announce that Gerben, guitar player of DISAVOWED, has joined Obsidian! We have begun practicing and Glen (Loupias) is helping Gerben how tune a bass guitar. Soon you can admire this handsome lad on a stage near you."

"Being in Obsidian for almost seven years now means it has become part of my life. That's why the decision of leaving the band has been a very difficult one. Being part of the band has given me more than just the ability to play great music, it has given me four great friends for which I am very grateful.

Unfortunately, during the past 6 months I have realized that playing music has taken a less important place in my life. This is mainly caused by the urge to enrich my life in other areas as well (setting up a business, traveling). Because I truly believe Obsidian is at the beginning of experiencing some great new things, it would not be fair to the band to have doubts about the future. Therefore I believe Obsidian would be a more stable band with a truly dedicated bass player who will give it his all. Though the idea of not being part of something that is so dear to me truly hurts, I think it's the best decision for the band as a whole.

I will not leave the band until a proper bassist has presented him/herself. Therefore Obsidian will continue to perform and make music. Until then I will enjoy the experience to the fullest. Kind regards and thanks for all the great moments."

In response to George's decision, the band had this to say:

"Although it really saddens us that he felt he had to take this decision, we fully support him, as (almost) ex-bandmates and as friends. We wish him the best and most of luck with everything he is going to do and we will miss him a lot! Glen is a great guy (literally) and a great bass player and it will proof a hard job to find a suitable replacement."

Rusty Cage Records has announced the signing of technical death metal band Obsidian. Obsidian's debut album "Emerging" is due out on Rusty Cage at the end of May. The vocals on this album, which was self-released in a very small number last year, will be recorded again by new singer Robbe K (also vocalist of the band Disavowed).

The final mixing will be done again by Jochem Jacobs, who also mixed Cypher's Darkday Carnival and will also work on Magnacult's debut album Synore.